Psy Returns a ‘Gentleman’

Psy’s follow up to “Gangnam Style” was finally released on Friday; and no, it’s not “Assarabia,” which created some buzz for controversial reasons.

The new single is simply “Gentleman,” and the slower, pulsating rhythm sounds like typical electronic music you hear at dance clubs in Seoul.

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While the music video for the new song is still in the works, it’s very likely to feature Psy’s signature dance moves and comical visuals.

Reuters

Psy

The Korean lyrics are catchy and simpler than “Gangnam Style”, probably with the South Korean rapper’s now wide fan base overseas in mind.

The phrase, “I’m a mother-father gentleman,” is repeated throughout the song. While that sounds a little risque to us, Psy’s record label YG Entertainment said it was up to the singer explain the lyrics.

With the combination of the Korean word “mal-i-ya” (a word used to add emphasis), the hook line creates the impression of a guy hitting on a woman — named Maria — at a club.

Following the global release, “Gentleman” has already topped several local music charts. Though the new single is riding on the back of ”Gangnam Style,” which has more than 1.5 billion hits on YouTube, not everyone seems to think highly of it.

Below are translated reactions from the Internet that have been edited for brevity:

DaumInhye
It lost Psy’s own color maybe because he was too conscious of international market. It’s boring enough to listen to it for three minutes.

2013
Certainly it’s not as good as Gangnam style…no taste to the song…Well maybe it will turnout different if I see that with new dance.

Twitter@blackmasaki
Lol… Psy song is so addictive…When I first heard it I was like ‘what?’ but as I listen to it over and over I get addicted to it.

@seung_flash
People around me were giving harsh criticism on Gentleman but personally Gentleman is my favorite of all the Psy’s song. Since Gangnam style which became a mega hit received harsh criticism in the beginning, I think Gentleman will also become a hit. Mother father gentleman.